Firefighters are making steady progress in containing two wildfires near Ovando as cooler, wetter weather aids suppression efforts. The Green Mountain Fire, located six miles south of Ovando, is now 40% contained and spans 18 acres. Crews have successfully lined the fire with containment lines and hose lays, and are continuing mop-up operations to extinguish residual heat pockets, supported by water tenders. The Garnet Fire, burning 12 miles southwest of Ovando, remains uncontained at 124 acres.
Firefighters are working through challenging terrain in the Wales Creek Wilderness Study Area, using pumps and helicopters to secure the fire line edge. Despite higher wind gusts, no significant fire growth occurred. Today’s forecast of rain showers and thunderstorms is expected to moderate fire behavior, although a warming and drying trend is anticipated to begin today. There are no evacuations currently in place, but road closures due to fire suppression activities affect portions of BLM roads, including Keno Creek Road 0405, Kennedy Creek Road 2817, and Elevation Mountain Fire Road 2819.
